The amount of money paid out to injured workers for medical and cash benefits in Ohio dropped in 2011, according to a new report.

The National Academy of Social Insurance says $2.2 billion in benefits were paid in 2011, down 1.6 percent from 2010.

The amount of money paid out to injured workers for medical and cash benefits in Ohio dropped in 2011, according to a new report.

The National Academy of Social Insurance says $2.2 billion in benefits were paid in 2011, down 1.6 percent from 2010.

Out of the total benefits, 81.7 perccent was paid by the state fund for injured workers and 17.5 percent from companies that are self-insured.

It was a different story nationally. The academy found total benefits rose by 3.5 percent in 2011 to $60.2 billion. The money was about equally split between medical care and wage replacement benefits.

The academy credited an improving economy to the rise in benefits nationally.

In Ohio, the state notes there have been fewer workers' compensation claims and safer workplaces that can be part of the reason for the decline in 2011.